I went last night and test drove an 05 rx8 and I must say I like it alot. I drove one a few months ago, and it didnt go as well as this time around. I tried to keep the rpm's higher this time, and it was much funner to drive. It took me a minute to find the traction control button, but other than that I was good to go.

I liked the shifter a lot, and the clutch was easy to get used to. Sunroof was nice, windows rolled up and down quick. Radio sounded good, and it was nice to have the controls on the steering wheel.

I noticed on the drivers side, there was a lock out for the windows, whats the point of that in a 2 window car? Wouldnt you think it'd only apply if the back windows were power too. Whats the point of it? Not a huge deal, just wondering if anyone else was confused by it.

Also how hard is it to open and close the rear windows before or after driving?

If Navigation doesnt come on the rx8, can Mazda install it, or no? If so what's it cost roughly? I pry wouldnt pay for it, Im just curious.

The spoiler, is that a package on the gt or the touring option or what? If it doesnt come on the rx8 can you purchase it? Whats it cost and does it come painted?

Im debating between Silver and Red. Some reds I like, and other views of them I am not a fan of. All my cars previously have been red, its a shame I cant find an rx8 in the red color I like. (fire engine red) I do like silver as a 2nd choice. I can find a Silver one with two toned (red & black) interior right? Whats that package called?

Lastly, I wasn't expecting the car to be that quick, what is it comprable to a 1.3 lieter? On average about how quick are they? What would you compare them to? I know it handled realy well. Are there small things you can do to the car to increase performance if interested down the road?
Air Filter, Do they make a chip for the Rx8?

Thanks much, Shane

 

I believe it's because Mazda uses the same control panel for all their cars. It's just easier to leave the button on there than it is to have the supplier make a new part without it.

Very.

It's only availble installed from the factory.

It's a seperate option on all the packages. It comes painted and is, I believe, $375.

Two-Tone has no package name. The only Package name relevant to the two-tone is "Grand Touring" which means it has Leather (and a few other little things). There are just different choices of Leather depending on what color car you want. You would want a "Sunlight Silver GT with Red/Black Leather".

You can't compare the rotary to anything really, not displacement-wise. It is what it is.

As for how quick... 0-60 in 6s, 1/4-mile in 14.8 or so.

And there is no easy way to get power out of an RX-8. No magical chip that unlocks 50hp. You can put thousands into the car and not get 20whp.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I really dont plan on making it quick I was just curious. It looks to be overall a real nice every day driver car.

 

I now use my 8 as a daily driver, except in winter, because I do not have snow tire on it. (The stock tires are absolutely dangerous on snow, so I've heard, but the car does fine on snow with winter tires.)

The 8 is an unusual car, which is why I love it. You can compare it to other sports cars like the 350Z, and you can compare it with near-luxury cars like the G35, and it does well in both comparisons. Not as fast as the Z, but better ride. Sportier than the G35, etc.

A lot of people want to compare it in terms of speed and hp, but they should really compare it in terms of ride quality and handling, because those are the strong points.

 

This is a great feature if you have kids. Especially small ones. Try driving around with one where you CAN'T lock the windows and watch 'em wear out both your window and your patience.

 

The rear vent windows are easy to open from the driver's seat.

THe one on the driver's side is the easiest as you just reach behind you and open it. You can do it while driving.

THe passenger's side one requires you to lean back and over, but it still isn't difficult really. I do have to unbucle my seatbelt tho. I can usually do it while waiting at a stop light.

 

I don't have any problems opening/closing the rear windows before/after driving. If your referring to during driving now that's a different story. :D

 

Read what I wrote, it's easy.. even easier for you as you can have your monkey do it :p

 

What? my monkey usually drives :D


No,seriouslyI have tried it at the light,but never while driving.